11 September 2007

Former Florida State Seminole and Baltimore Ravens linebacker Peter Boulware lived in the public eye during his nine year NFL career. And now he's set to return to the public eye. He's running for office. Boulware announced his candidacy on behalf of the Republican Party for a seat in the Florida State House of Representatives on Monday.

Boulware said ''it's not about Democrat or Republican.'' He said he will spend much of the next 15 months talking with residents and learning the issues that concern them.

Boulware will be looking to replace Loranne Ausley, a democrat, in the Leon-Jefferson Country seat. Ausley is being forced out next year on account of term limits, and Boulware is facing a big challenge. The district had 52 percent Democratic and 34 percent Republican registration for the 2006 election cycle. It has also rarely supported Republicans in local or statewide races.

Boulware must have a strong sales pitch though, as he is a vice president of Legacy Toyota in Tallahassee. As he hits the campaign trail he'll have to stay on message, and be convincing. He'd better be more convincing than he was on Monday when explaining how he switched to the Republican Party in 2003.

''I grew up a Democrat and went through college and at the end of it I started just listing the things that were important to me,'' he said. ''As I listed those things and started comparing myself to the Democrat and Republican Party I found myself leaning more toward the Republican Party. That makes me a Republican, I guess.''

Saying I guess won't work. Absolutes are a must. Get ready to shake some hands, Boulware. And leave your grimace behind. It's all smiles now